At least 28 candidates want to run for Zimbabwean presidency

At least 28 Zimbabwean politicians want to compete in the upcoming presidential elections

Zimbabwean voters will have plenty of choice when they go to the polls for the presidential elections coming on 29 June 2013 as all of the country’s 28 political parties want to be represented in the contest, and there are more being formed.

Many parties, including Zanu-PF, MDC-T, MDC, Mavambo Kusile Dawn and Zanu Ndonga have been attending meetings convened by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Justice Rita Makarau for the past three weeks. The last one was held on Friday in an attempt to resolve political disputes ahead of the elections.

Among the politicians interested in participating in the elections is also Egypt Dzinemunenzva, the leader of African National Party (ANP), known for seeking to contest almost all possible elections – presidential, parliamentary and council.

There are still more parties being formed especially for the big occasion. On Tuesday a new party called Freedom Front was launched by the little known Cosmas Mponda, 39, from Harare.

Mponda, who arrived nearly an hour late for his press conference, admitted he had no political background but was full of ideas and confidence. He said,” We want to ensure that people have access to water, electricity and proper infrastructure. We will strive to provide our graduates with funds to start their own businesses.

“I feel it. I have got it in me. If those with the political background can’t make it, then who else should come in and do that,” he added.

The candidate introduced himself as a former musician and businessman, but refused to elaborate on his business activities.

Although the elections are constitutionally due on the 29 June 2013, when the mandate of the Seventh Parliament ends, the debate on when exactly they should be held is ongoing.

Zanu (Ndonga) president Gondai Vutuza stressed that the elections should be held soon: â€œWe want to get out of the Government of National Unity. Time is running out. As a party we have always supported the idea of getting rid of the GPA which we believe has served its intended purpose.

â€œIf elections can help us get out of this GNU creature, then let’s have them as a matter of urgency. We want a party that is answerable to the people of Zimbabwe. As a party we are more than ready for elections,” said Mr Vutuza.

Mathias Guchutu, secretary for information and publicity of multiracial open party Christian Democracy said his party also supported early polls.

â€œIt was supposed to have ended after 18 months. Let’s not continue procrastinating elections. Let’s have them at the earliest possible time,” he said.

Some parties’ representatives complained that it was unfair some parties were receiving funding from the fiscus while others did not.

Justice Makarau told them that according to the law, only those with at least five percent representation in Parliament were eligible for Government funding.

The law providing Government funding was created after allegations that certain parties were funded by hostile westerners, led to the outlawing of foreign funding of political parties.

Other parties standing in the elections include Zimbabwe African People’s Union, Free Zim Congress Rebuilding Party of Zimbabwe, Voice of the People, African National Council, Progressive and Innovative Movement for People’s Prosperity, Zimbabwe Youth Alliance, Democratic Alliance-United People’s Party, United Movement for Democracy, Zimbabwe Organised Open Political Party, Multiracial Open Party Christian Democrats, Zimbabwe Development Party, Zimbabwe Progressive Party and Popular Democratic Front.

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